The Miss American Samoa pageant is over and done with but some are still upset about the outcome.
The awards ceremony that took place at the residence of MASI President Meafou Imo in Nu’uuli, Saturday stirred up some ill feelings. .
The father of one of the contestants stood up during the event to voice his concerns about the MASI organization and the award winners.
Saying he was upset and hurt for his daughter, the man asked for clarification on the Miss MASI award.
He declared that from his own observations, his daughter should have won that award because she was punctual and followed instructions.
He cited the MASI president commenting at a gathering for the pageant that Antonina was always late but he was surprised when she was announced as the winner of the MASI award on the pageant night.
The man said he wasn’t telling MASI what to do but felt it important to bring up his concerns so the organization is made aware and try to avoid a repeat in future pageants.
MASI President Mrs. Imo explained that the winner is selected based on written rules of the pageant.
She said the selection is not made by one person but all MASI members vote for the winner.
The criteria includes punctuality to pageant events, appearance and interaction with other contestants.
She said the winner is not decided by the MASI president alone.
Miss American Samoa Suluga Taliau said about the matter,“Because Fou is the President, everything negative addressed towards MASI, majority of the times, falls on her. What people fail to realize is that MASI is comprised of members not just a mere individual.a
Suluga said Fou, along with the other MASI members, are hard working women
She said, “Being a MASI member is just as difficult as being Miss American Samoa.”
